TRI's Global Entry Center about to open

Staff reports
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May 14, 2019 at 7:00 PM

BLOUNTVILLE — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Global Entry Enrollment Center will have its grand opening on Wednesday, May 22 at Tri-Cities Airport (TRI).

The Global Entry Program provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers. Members of these programs can expect expedited processing when entering the United States using automated kiosks at participating airports. As an added benefit, Global Entry members are eligible to participate in TSA Pre✓™, the Transportation Security Administration’s expedited security program.

At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.

The Global Entry Enrollment Center will open to help address the growing demand for enrollment appointments. The center is new to our region as the next closest centers are in Charlotte, N.C., and Nashville.

“The Global Entry Enrollment Center at Tri-Cities Airport will provide easy access for individuals within the Tri-Cities region and beyond,” said Gene Cossey, Tri-Cities Airport Authority Executive Director. “It is a three or five-hour drive to the next closest center with an available appointment. We expect to see visitors from outside the Tri-Cities region coming here for their interviews as most Enrollment Centers’ schedules are booked for several months.”

The Global Entry Enrollment Center at TRI will initially be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to assess the number of applicants for CBP Trusted Traveler Program applicants. Applicants must have applied online for Global Entry and have had their applications conditionally approved. Conditionally approved applicants may schedule or change their currently scheduled interview for the TRI Enrollment Center using the Global Entry website. CBP will actively manage hours of operations based on the number of applicants and operational needs throughout the calendar year.